First Class: Women Join the Ranks at the Naval Academy

by Sharon Hanley Disher

The author, among the first female midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy, describes the obstacles and harassment faced by her class, and discusses the future role for women in the Navy

Genres: Military Fiction, History, Historical, Nonfiction

362 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1998

Reviews

[Katie Halbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

A serious head nod must be given to the women highlighted in this book for the path they paved and the abuse they put up with in the process. This book did its duty in exposing those stories and I’ve never been more glad to attend the Academy at a time where women were a given and my classmates embraced me fully. I think one of my favorite parts of the style of narration was the contrast of the survive vs thrive mindset each character had. Nobody is ever fully set in one mindset and it was surprisingly resonant to read about the mentality shifts I went through being experienced by other women in the same environment. I particularly enjoyed the parts about women’s athletics, seeing the roots of the program is fascinating as strides are still being made today to ensure women compete at the highest level possible.

I think perhaps the recency of my own experience at the Academy took away some of the nostalgia that might be experienced reading this book. It’s certainly interesting to see all of the ways that life in the Brigade 40 years ago is similar to modern times, but reading a book about your own daily schedule got a bit monotonous for me personally.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book after reading “The War Librarian”. That book has a dual POV, one of them being about a female cadet in the naval academy. This book is non-fiction, being written by one of the females in the first class at the naval academy to accept female cadets. It really surprised me how much crap these women had to put up with. And the harassment didn’t end after their plebe year, but continued on all four years, off and on. Administration apparently did nothing, and I’m sure the women wanted to get along with their male counterparts so many times events were not reported. I’m sure I would have walked out the door after one episode. Kudos to them for being there and sticking it out for all who came after. Just so unfortunate that the guys were so rotten to them.

[John Weibull · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book about the first female plebes admitted to the US Naval Academy. Their trials, their tribulations, and their overcoming of obstacles, both physically and mentally in a male-dominated institution.

[Sarah Shellock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book when it very first came out and absolutely loved it. I was in high school and desperate to go to Annapolis, which I did, graduating in 2005. I was (and still am) so inspired by the women who paved the way for the rest of us, and Sharon captured the Academy experience perfectly.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by a high school friend on mine, this recalls her years in the Naval Academy in the first class to accept women. A unique experience is shared along with the personal struggle to succeed.

[Homerun2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Definitely an interesting account of being one of the first women admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy. I am of a similar age to the author and remember that era very well. Women were caught in a trap -- should they be strident feminists? Should they be cool "first women", trying to be one of the guys and letting some of the objectionable stuff just pass without comment?

The story is not unexpected. Many of the men attending the academy were actively against admitting women and made their lives miserable. This, on top of the already onerous hazing meted out to all freshmen. Everything from constant verbal harassment to "minor" physical assaults including being taken blindfolded from their rooms. The women chafed because at that time, women were still not allowed to be combatants which barred them from ship duty. They AND the men sometimes questioned what the point of their attending the academy was.

The incredibly hidebound academy traditions seem sort of silly to us outsiders. And there is A LOT of teenage romantic angst -- I had to remind myself of the ages of everyone involved. One can only hope that a lot has changed.

[Chip · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. Most likely this is because I was two years behind the author at USNA. I really liked the way Sharon defined any terms that would commonly be used at the Academy that would not make sense to a non-Navy person. Once I got to 1979 in the book, I recognized so many things that happened during my time there - especially the story about the 8th Wing Players. Fortunately, I had many friends from my class and others who are women and with whom I still stay in contact. This book brought back fond (and scary) memories.

[Robert Devine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting story of trailblazing first class of women at the Naval Academy; not a memoir or nonfiction account, but also not fiction with a story arch

[Mary Dickinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book that everyone should read !!